Lower Third Molar Germectomy: Timings, Indications, and Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background/Objectives: To evaluate whether mandibular third molar germectomy is associated with differences in neurosensory injury, postoperative complications, and patient-centred outcomes compared with delayed extraction. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and Google Scholar. Comparative studies including pediatric or adolescent patients undergoing mandibular third molar germectomy were included. Primary outcomes were inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury and overall postoperative complications; secondary outcomes included postoperative morbidity and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Random-effects models were used for quantitative synthesis. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, including two randomized controlled trials and eight observational studies. Comparative evidence suggested that early removal at an immature developmental stage was associated with a lower risk of IAN injury (pooled RR = 0.05, 95% CI 0.01-0.37) and fewer overall postoperative complications (pooled RR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.20-0.42) compared with delayed extraction. However, certainty of evidence was limited due to heterogeneity, risk of bias, and potential confounding. PROMs consistently showed a short-term increase in pain and temporary quality-of-life impairment after germectomy, while delayed-onset infections were reported several weeks after surgery. Conclusions: Germectomy may reduce neurosensory risk and overall postoperative morbidity in selected developmental-age patients but entails a measurable short-term symptom burden. Decisions should therefore rely on individualized risk assessment and shared decision-making rather than routine preventive removal. Further prospective comparative studies with standardized outcome reporting are required to support definitive clinical recommendations.